Keeping in mind, TIPTRONIC on all, what would be the best combination.<p>Also, is a 1.8 Q tip too slow/weak?<p><p>

Comparisons of the cars you mention:<br>- Audi technology is quattro - that is it's advantage. If I did not want quattro, I would buy a Passat- its cheaper by a good deal and has larger back seat.<br>Regards engines:<br>- The 1.8 Turbo with Tip is a little weak for me, HOWEVER, you can easily boost the power with<br> a chip change (see archives in this forum).<br>- The 1.8 has alot of advantages - lighter, gets better mileage, and alot cheaper. But it is a 4<br> cylinder.... and has some disadvantages compared to 6 cylinder , ie noisier, more vibration.<p>The 2.8 engine is very nice driving engine, smooth - has nice torque and power, but is heavier,<br>and burns more fuel.<br>

I like the V-6 with the automatic compared to the 1.8T with one. The V-6 having more torque than the 1.8T. The V-6 is a very smooth engine. So smooth and quiet , that the 1.8T feels faster but isn't. The 1.8T is an excellent motor also. I decided on the V-6 because I like to do a lot of traveling and the V-6 feels more comfortable to me on long trips. It works great with the Tiptronic also. The 1.8T is the motor to choose if you are interested in the aftermarket. The V-6 doesn't have near as many parts availiable to upgrade as the 1.8T does. The V-6 does get less gas mileage but not by much. I get about 25mpg crusing in heavy European traffic at 75-80mph in my 2.8QSTip. Another thing to consider is the different interiors. Both are extremely nice but I like the wood mixed with the Terra Cotta interior. Which ever engine you choose I'm sure you will be happy though.<br>Dave

I was thinking about the same exact thing a couple of months ago...<p>I needed automatic because sometimes clutches hurt my injured left knee. So I ruled out a 1.8T Quattro, because from what I'm told you'll need the extra weight savings to get maximum performance. Plus, I've lived with a FWD Audi A4 for 3 years now and it was OK here in Connecticut. <p>The Passat 1.8T was only 2 grand less than the Audi 1.8T, so if I chose one I'd go for the Audi, because of the prestige and better looks (I've always liked Audi's). But when you compare the Passat and Audi 2.8, the difference is more like 6 grand! I ruled out the Audi 2.8 because it was too much for me.<p>So it all depended on whether I wanted the Audi 4 cyl or Passat 6 cycl (about the same price). I drove both and liked the performance of the Passat 6 cyl because I'm used to 6 cyl's. I figured I could get used to the Audi 1.8T by using the Tip to it's full potential. The Audi's extra "coolness" factor is what swayed me over. I was all set to order an Audi A4 1.8T Tip but decided not to at the last minute...<p>To top the story off, I ended up getting a VW New Beetle. For reasons that are too lengthly to list here. (Nice car, but it's no A4)<br>

That's what I have and that V6 engine goes well with the Tip. A well driven Tip only loses 1/2 a second to a manual. Add a chip as I did, and you're just as fast 0-60 and faster on the highway (torque peaks at 217 ft-lbs instead of 207 and the torque curve is more flat). The 2.8 A4 has a classer interior than all the rest and a much better exterior then the Passat.<p>Rick<br>